Kelso (NSW)

Kelso lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Kelso (NSW) is around 11,229. This figure reflects an increase of 1,190 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,039. The current resident population estimate of 11,100 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 287 validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth. This results in a density ratio of 353 persons per square kilometer. Kelso's population growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.2%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch's projections for Kelso are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. Future demographic trends anticipate significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas, with Kelso expected to grow by 4,946 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 40.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kelso among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kelso has averaged around 106 new dwelling approvals each year. An estimated 531 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates approximately two new residents per year over these five years, indicating healthy demand that may support property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $472,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $22.3 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kelso exhibits 139.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. New building activity comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Kelso reflects a transitioning market with around 250 people per approval. Future projections indicate Kelso adding approximately 4,575 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kelso has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions' 123-Lot Subdivision. Below is a list of most relevant ones.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Kelso shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kelso has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. There are 5,866 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 69.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses in September 2025, only 11.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Kelso has a strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.0%, compared to the regional 5.3%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Kelso's labour force decreased by 3.0% alongside a 3.8% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kelso's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Kelso's employment mix.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Kelso had a median taxpayer income of $53,360 and an average income of $64,355 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, considering an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,088 (median) and $70,057 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kelso rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. In terms of earnings profile, 35.8% of Kelso's population (4,019 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort also represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income in Kelso, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kelso, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelso stood at 32.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Kelso was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kelso features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Kelso fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.9% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kelso has 160 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 53 different routes that together facilitate 885 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 139 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward, primarily by car (96%). On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Kelso. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes is approximately 126 trips per day, equating to about five weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to Kelso's central location.

Health performance in Kelso is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is more prevalent in Kelso compared to the average SA2 area, with approximately 52% of the total population (~5,882 people) having it. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 63.9% of Kelso residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Kelso has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,864 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Kelso is Christianity, comprising 63.4% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.1%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is higher at 6.3% in Kelso compared to 4.6% regionally, Lebanese is slightly higher at 0.4% vs 0.2%, and Korean remains the same at 0.1%.

Kelso's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kelso is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.1% of Kelso's population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.1%, and the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for Kelso indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 53% (844 people), reaching a total of 2,428 from its current figure of 1,583.